Justin Smith returns to practice; Akers off to poor start in kicking derby

While David Akers and Billy Cundiff began their kicking derby Thursday, defensive tackle Justin Smith returned to 49ers practice for the first time since partially tearing a triceps tendon Dec. 16.

Smith wore a black brace on his left arm and showed no discomfort while engaging in light drills with fellow linemen during the media’s 30-minute access window.

“It felt good for what we did today, so we’ll go out and see what happens,” Smith said.

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After missing the 49ers’ final two regular-season games, Smith vows to come back for the playoffs, which begin for the 49ers on Jan. 12 when they host a divisional-round game. The team stated that Smith has a bone chip loose in his elbow because of the partially torn tendon.

“It’s just a matter of going out there. You play until you can’t,” Smith added. “I’ll be ready. You can’t worry about it in the game so I try not to worry about it right now.”

Smith believes he can’t do more harm to his triceps by playing. He began drills quite focused as linebacker Patrick Willis unsuccessfully tried to gain his attention nearby while shouting Smith’s nickname, “Cowboy.”

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Another spectacle Thursday was the kicking competition the 49ers have started between Akers, the embattled incumbent, and Cundiff, who was signed Tuesday.

During the warm-up period, Akers made only 16 of 21 field-goal attempts, missing wide right from 53, 52, 43, 43 and 48 yards. Andy Lee held on all of Akers’ attempts. (Bay Area News Group colleague Steve Corkran charted each kicker’s attempts.)

(Update: Akers told reporters he had surgery in February for a double hernia, and that he needed treatment after the 49ers’ Nov. 25 game against the Saints. Corkran will post more on this in a follow-up item.)

Cundiff connected on 10 of 12 attempts, missing wide right from 45 and 52 yards. He was 7 of 8 when Lee held for him.

While Akers and Cundiff took turns kicking on the 49ers’ artificial surface, several defensive players paid close attention, as did coach Jim Harbaugh, general manager Trent Baalke and special-teams coordinator Brad Seely.

On the injury front, the 49ers appeared to be at full strength. Many players who recently wore no-contact jersey had shed those for Thursday’s practice, including linebackers Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks, cornerback Tarell Brown and fullback Bruce Miller.

Cam Inman

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Never heard of a report of kicker stats from practice. Any previous data from earlier in the season?

dietrich from maui

I’ve never heard of a kicker competition right before the playoffs

GoNiners

Unconfirmed report says that Jose Cortez is also auditioning for the kicking role in hope to collect a SB ring. He is confident this time because there is no Larry Allen to grab his neck if he misses.

rath44

If you’d seen how horrible Akers has been since the Green Bay game, you’d know why we are having a kicking competition right before the playoffs.

damen

Love all the people who think they should be a nfl coach. Yea were trying out a kicked..he has only lost 2 games this season for us..and is the worst kicker in the nfl at this time….so yea the way we play we need a good kicker cause we end up in alot of close games.

Red and Gold

Hmm Vernon Davis, blowout game 2TDS my prediction.

Mainly cause I don’t want to comment this weeks it’s a BI week

John

Can Mort Anderson come in as swing doctor for akers, another leftie? Akers career stats the 4 previous years have been great, and he knocked that 63 yarder this year…

http://mercurynews.com James

Akers has the leg strength, but he’s had to continually make adjustments since surgery last year.
Of course the playoffs is a heck of a time to do your place kicking adjustment.
Once he makes the right adjustment, Akers is money.
Harbaugh’s biggest question next week is, is Akers there?
If not, he’d better let someone else try kicking.
Even if Condiff blows a FG, fans know the team has tried to deal with the situation.
If Akers blows a FG again, the fans will come down hard on Baalke and Harbaugh.

Kirk Gorman

Keep both kickers. Give Ackers the first opportunity. If successful stick with him. His first miss turn to Cundiff